CHAPTER XX. 



SOIL BEST ADAPTED FOR THE GROWTH OF THE AZALEA. 



For the Azalea use equal parts of loam and peat soil, 

 well mixed and broken with the spade, but not sieved. 



I prefer a good, light, fibrous loam, which can be obtained 

 from the hills and fence corners. My sod is cut during 

 the spring and summer, placed in a heap, with grass side 

 down, and in a few weeks it is ready for use. 



Peat is a black, sandy soil, and consists of decayed 

 leaves, roots, and sand. I prefer that which is full of fibrous 

 roots. This is cut in sods like that of the loam, but will take 

 a much longer time to decay. 



I get this soil in close proximity to my place, and where 

 the wild Azalea abounds. It is better known by the name 

 of swamp honeysuckle. 



Had I to procure my peat soil, like many do that send 

 from two to five hundred miles, and some from the Pacific 

 slope, I would, undoubtedly, do without this particular kind 

 of soil. 



I am not an advocate for different soils, and so many 

 mixtures, as many recommend. 



Use a light and fibrous loam ; always guard against a 

 heavy, clayey soil. 



For all plants that I grow, the soil comes from one heap, 

 with the exception of the Daphne, Palm, Erica, and 

 Azalea, and had I not the peat so convenient, they would be 

 grown in the same soil with a little sand added. 



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